Write a commentAs opening night approaches for the John C. Birdlebough High School’s production of “Annie,” the show’s cast and crew say audiences can expect another performance full of the “special energy” that each year makes the JCB musical a smash success.
The classic American musical, set in the Great Depression and based on the popular Harold Grey comic strip “Little Orphan Annie,” stars senior Hannah Grabowski at the title red-haired heroine whose famous mantra of “tomorrow is only a day away” has made the show a fixture on the stage and screen for decades.
The show will run for four performances, premiering on the JCB stage on Thursday, March 8 at 4 p.m., Friday, March 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 10 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
“Annie” will feature an extensive cast of not just high schoolers, but younger students from around the Phoenix Central School District, portraying the vast chorus of orphans, business employees and residents of “Hooverville.”
Grabowski said she and older students relished the opportunity to take a “mentoring” role to some of their nascent co-stars.
“We’re so excited to have all the kids involved and hopefully come to see the show, because that interaction with the community and showing this great theater world to new people is how we keep the Drama Club program going,” said Grabowski.
Senior Alyssa Goudy, playing the role of Grace Farrell, said audiences will be treated to “a ton of fun and energy.”
“We always go all-out and try to challenge ourselves,” said Goudy. “The Drama Club has a special energy with passionate actors and performers and it’s like we’re a family, all in this together.”
The show is directed by Brian Logee, produced by Lisa Spereno with musical direction by Liza Grethel.
Along with Grabowski and Goudy, principal performers are Zaya Koegel as Miss Hannigan, Sean Sievers as Oliver Warbucks, Garrett Strang as Rooster Hannigan and Kaitlin White as Lily St. Regis.
Seating is reserved and tickets are on sale for $10 each or $7 for students/senior citizens. Pre-orders may be made by email to Lisa Spereno at lspereno@phoenixcsd.org.
Checks should be made payable to: JCB Drama Club. PLEASE NOTE: For all reserved tickets, seating will be done from best available on, and numbers are limited by Fire Code. We will know if there is a sold out show ahead of time, and will take names for a waiting list or you may purchase tickets for another evening. If you are unable to make a performance you have reserved, you may exchange the ticket for another show if seating is available. All reserved tickets bought in advance are exchangeable; however, they are nonrefundable. Exchanges may only be made through Lisa Spereno at the above contact info.
